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Wednesday, May 27, 2015

ABEA: Loving My Library's ILL

Good day, friends! A happy first day of Armchair BEA! Since I've participated in quite a few ABEAs and feel like I've introduced myself a gazillion times over the last 10 years of blogging, I'm going to pick and choose my topics this year, and probably try to take a different stab at some of them than might've been intended. We'll see how I do.

If you'd like to learn more about me, check out the About Andi page above.

As for libraries, I have an iffy relationship with them. That is, I have an iffy relationship with my local library. It's small, it has an OK selection at best, and in general, we just haven't clicked. The library at the university where I work, on the other hand, is Shangri-La. Especially the Interlibrary Loan department.

I might be a little biased since one of my best buddies from my graduate school days coordinates the ILL area. I know when I'm putting in a request, I'm in the best bookish hands possible. And you know what else? The man can cook. From "bring your own" lobster boils, to homemade cured ham, home brewed beer, or a bitching chowder, Jake has got it covered. He's just one of the coolest cats I know...long hair, flannel shirt, and all. Down to earth, loves a great book, and loves a good meal and a pint. What's not to dig about a man like that? He orders BOOKS for me and scads of other needy readers and researchers, for cryin' out loud!

15 comments:

Work that insider connection when you can! I totally get the iffy feeling for your local branch, though...that's kind of how mine is. Most of my books are holds that come through other branches and I just pick them up at mine, but I'm doing my best to request new books for my branch!

Isn't ILL the best? Well, when your library has the money for it. I've gotten so many great books through ILL that have come from all over the place. Sadly, the Austin system has cut back on what they will do in that regard. However, I usually visit a small suburban town library that is nearer to me now. The only thing is that you have to pay the postage. So, I understand why, but I will say that I often pick another avenue for getting the book these days. Sounds like your ILL friend is great!!

My local library is small too and they hire a lot of people based on their status in the community rather than hiring book lovers. Personally, I find most of them kind of nasty. I volunteer there from time to time and I love it regardless. Interacting with patrons who are there for their love of books is great.Happy ABEA week. I look forward to your posts.

I've lucked out with a stunning local library -- while the closest branch to me is tiny, the region has an ILL network so I can get any book in region. SO FUN. Dangerously so -- it's like online shopping without a bill so sometimes I go a bit bonkers!

I'm so with you on the small local library ~ our librarians are not the friendliest bunch of ladies and it's sad going into a room with full of books with frown-y faces behind the desk. We just don't click and it's very sad. But, on the bright side, there's a couple of little free libraries I"m close to and enjoy sharing any new book I have there. How lucky you are with the university library! Enjoy it :-)

I should start requesting books more for my local branch. I so often end up getting what I've put on hold via interlibrary loan from other branches. This is my first Armchair BEA, and I'm preeeeetty excited :)

You've blogged for ten YEARS?? Oh my gosh, I keep visiting people's ABEA introductions and getting blown away by how long people have been blogging. You're the longest I've seen so far. :) Aw, that sucks that your public library isn't the greatest. :( I'm kind of spoiled with mine, they're pretty good about new books, event if it takes them a couple of weeks to get them (they generally order them and then have to wait) and reserving. Haha, well then, Jake certainly sounds like something. :)

I support my library but I don't frequent it very often, if that makes sense. Mostly, it's because I have too many books on hand to warrant borrowing even more. If I were ever to a) read through every book in my personal library and b) stop buying new books, I may feel it necessary to visit my library more often. It has a pretty decent selection and is a great place for hanging out.

I feel so, so lucky in my local library. I missed it horribly when I was in New York. They're wonderful about getting in diverse new fiction, books in translation, tons of awesome nonfiction...just everything. And they order everything I ask them to, and I can never move away basically because I've been spoiled by having the best library in the land. *hugs library*

(I was just at the library today and I am feeling extra-affectionate towards it.)